Become a Notary: Georgia State Information

Becoming a notary can be an important and exciting option for many people. Notaries perform many important civic duties and are representatives of their states and counties who ensure the validity of important documents and transactions. Many people find that becoming a notary is a fulfilling and worthwhile career or part time job. Each and every state has different laws for becoming a notary. Learn about your state's specific process to become a notary including notary eligibility and step by step instructions.

Become a Notary in Georgia

In the state of Georgia you will be commissioned and approved to be a public notary by the individual county in which you wish to practice. The process will be conducted and reviewed by a Clerk in the Superior Court in the county who will commission and appoint all public notaries in the county. Like in all states, you will have to meet certain requirements to become a notary public in accordance with the law, as well as submit an application and pay applicable fees.

Georgia Notary Requirements

In order to become a notary in a county in the state of Georgia, you must meet the following requirements:

At least 18 years of age

Resident of Georgia

Resident of the county in which you which to be a notary

Be able to speak and read English

The endorsement of 2 county residents (non-relatives)

Take a notary education course

Pass an exam

Georgia Notary Term Length

A notary in the state of Georgia is appointed for a period of four years. If you wish to continue to be a notary in the state of Georgia after four years, you must renew your notary appointment.

Georgia Notary Education Requirements

In the state of Georgia, you are required by law to take a notary education course, which is offered by the state and is available online at the state website.

Georgia Notary Exam

In the state of Georgia you are required by law to pass a notary exam to become an official county notary. This exam will occur once you complete the notary education course.

Georgia Notary Bond Requirements

In the state of Georgia you are not required by law to obtain a bond.

Geogia Notary Application Process

Step 1:

Complete the application form for becoming a Georgia notary public. You can find the notary application for your specific county by contacting the office of your county's Clerk of the Superior Court or you can find it on the state's webpage. You may have an option to complete the application online depending on your county.

Step 2:

Submit the application form and all necessary requirements to the County Clerk. The normal cost for submitting a notary application in Georgia is $15.00. If you do not complete the application online, you will need to walk it into the office.

Step 3:

If your application is approved, you will receive your official Georgia Notary Commission. Make sure to follow any specific directions in the commission packet, including posting your commission and being sworn into office.

Step 4:

Purchase the necessary notary equipment for conducting business as a Georgia notary public. You will need to purchase a Georgia rubber stamp with reproducible ink or embossing seal. It is also recommended that you purchase a notary journal.

Step 5:

Start your career as a Georgia notary public. You may consider the following books to help create a flourishing business in your community. They offer great advice for marketing your business and finding ongoing clients in your community.

Step 6:

Consider purchasing Errors and Omissions Insurance. Most notaries consider this as an essential to running a successful notary business. Errors and Omissions Insurance protects you, up to the limit of your insurance, from any mistakes you may make as a notary that result in legal actions. This is different than a bond because a bond protects the public, where as Errors and Omissions Insurance protects you.